Viewing Characteristics of Nematic Liquid Crystal Cells with Homogeneous Micro-Domains Embedded in Omeotropic Alignment

Abstract

The hybrid double layer with homogeneous micro-domains embedded in homeotropic alignment was used for improving viewing characteristics of vertically aligned nematic liquid crystal (LC) cells. After surface treatment of a polyimide (PI) layer blended with [poly(vinyl cinnamate)] (PVCi), the homogeneous micro-domains were found to be uniformly distributed over the homeotropic layer. The contrast ratio of LC cells, made with the hybrid double layer, along the direction of 45° to one of the polarizers, was about 10:1 up to ±30° without any compensation film.